Imec has expanded its long-term joint research efforts with Western Digital Corporation, a global leader in data storage technologies and solutions. Under a new agreement, imec and Western Digital will collaborate in research and development of a broad range of advanced semiconductor technologies.

Through the three-year agreement, Western Digital becomes a full partner in imec’s “core” programs in advanced semiconductor technology, comprising of R&D in the field of next-generation logic and memory devices, advanced patterning, and advanced nano- and system interconnect technologies.

The agreement builds on imec’s six-year relationship with Western Digital, through which the two have collaborated on emerging memories, NAND flash memory technology and advanced patterning.